"Steph, I swear to God, if you wear that dress, we're both going to get arrested tonight."
Stephanie laughed as she turned toward the mirror, adjusting the silk strap of the burgundy mini dress hugging her curves. "Relax, Anita. It's just a birthday party, not the red carpet."
Anita raised a brow from where she sat on the bed, curling her lashes. "Exactly. That's the problem. You look like sin on heels."
"Good," Stephanie grinned. "I'm aiming for 'unapproachably hot with just enough heartbreak to make them regret their life choices.'"
Anita snorted. "Mission accomplished."
They both burst into laughter, the sound bouncing off the walls of Stephanie's apartment. The heaviness Stephanie had been carrying all day lightened slightly—though it still lurked under her skin. That damn moment outside the boardroom with Nathan Voss wouldn't leave her mind.
"Hey," Anita said gently, noticing the flicker in Steph's eyes. "You alright?"
Stephanie hesitated. "I saw him today… Nathan. Outside the boardroom. He looked like he'd just been hit by a train."
Anita frowned. "And that bothers you."
"I don't want it to," Stephanie whispered, brushing her fingers through her curls. "But… I can't stop thinking about the way he looked at me. Like he wanted to say something. Like he didn't know how."
"You don't have to forgive him to feel something, Steph," Anita said, walking over to fix a twisted clasp on Stephanie's necklace. "You're human. And you loved him."
Stephanie let out a short laugh. "Don't give me the moral high ground right now. I just want to drink and celebrate Ciara like she deserves."
Anita smiled, but the conversation was cut short by a knock on the open door. Leo leaned in, dressed in a navy-blue button-up with the sleeves rolled up.
"Whoa," he said, eyes scanning them. "You two look like every man's reason to pray tonight."
Anita immediately flushed. "Leo—what are you even doing up here?"
"Just came to drop off your charger," he said, holding it up. "And to tell you you look beautiful."
Anita froze for a beat, then smiled awkwardly. "Thanks…"
Leo's eyes lingered on her for a moment too long before he turned toward the door. "Have fun tonight."
As he left, Stephanie glanced at Anita. The color was still high in her cheeks.
She noticed.
Stephanie didn't say a word,just quietly picked up her purse, lips twitching into a knowing smirk.
⸻
The rooftop venue was already pulsing with music and laughter by the time they arrived. Glittering lights illuminated a view of the city skyline, and the smell of spiced cocktails and gourmet hors d'oeuvres hung in the air.
"Ciara really outdid herself," Anita said, looking around. "This place is insane."
"She always knew how to throw a party," Stephanie grinned, leading the way into the crowd.
The birthday girl, Ciara, spotted them within moments. Her sequined silver dress shimmered under the lights as she ran over with arms wide open.
"My girls!" she cried, wrapping them both into a hug. "You're late, but forgiven. You look like angels dipped in sin."
"Then we dressed right," Stephanie teased.
Anita giggled as a waiter handed them champagne flutes. The music thumped around them, people dancing, mingling, and posing for pictures in front of the flower wall. Stephanie let herself lean into it—at least for now. For once, she wanted to forget.
And by the fourth drink, she did.
She laughed louder. Swayed to the beat with no rhythm but plenty of heart. Let her hair down in every way that mattered.
Until Nathan slipped back into her head.
Her smile faltered.
Before she could stop herself, she pulled out her phone and dialed.
It rang once. Twice.
He answered.
"Stephanie?"
His voice was low, cautious. Concerned.
"I was gonna yell at you," she slurred, laughing quietly. "I had it all planned, too."
"Where are you?"
"I should curse you. I should tell you you're a heartless bastard."
"I deserve it," he said gently. "But tell me where you are."
She paused. Her lip quivered.
"Why do you even care?"
"Because I do."
Anita appeared beside her and saw the phone. "Please don't fight drunk," she muttered, gently taking it from Stephanie's hand. "Hi, Nathan? She's okay. Just… tipsy. We're at the Glasshouse Rooftop Lounge."
"I'll be there in fifteen," Nathan said immediately.
⸻
Nathan's entrance stole the air from the room.
He moved through the party like he didn't belong there,and he didn't. Not because of status, but because of presence. He carried his shadows with him like a stormcloud in a sea of neon.
Ciara stared. People turned. Even the DJ faltered for a beat.
Stephanie looked up as he reached her. "You're real."
Nathan crouched a little to meet her eyes. "I'm here. Let's get you home."
"Home" She whispered,unsure she heard him correctly.
He wrapped a steady arm around her waist and led her out as onlookers whispered behind their hands, their curiosity crashing like waves in his wake.
He didn't care.
All that mattered was her.
⸻
Anita got home a little after midnight, her heels in her hand and her heart pounding from more than just the alcohol. She wasn't quite drunk, but vulnerable. Soft around the edges.
Leo was still awake, sitting on the couch in sweatpants and a t-shirt, eyes glued to a video game he'd paused the second he heard the door.
"Hey," he said. "You good?,where's Steph?"he asked.
She dropped her purse and walked toward him,ignoring his questions.
"I need to say something," she whispered.
Leo stood, concern flickering across his features. "What is it?"
"I think…" She swallowed, looking down. "I think I'm in love with you."
He stared.
"I've tried not to be. Because you're my best friend's brother. And you matter to me. But I can't lie to myself anymore."
Leo blinked once, then twice. The shock on his face was real,but so was the storm behind his eyes.
He stepped forward, gently placing his hands on her shoulders. "Anita… you've been drinking."
"I know," she whispered.
"You'll regret this if we talk about it now."
She shook her head. "No, I won't—"
But Leo silenced her with a finger to her lips.
Her breath hitched.
He helped her to the guest room and tucked her in, brushing her hair back from her forehead.
Before leaving, he whispered, "When you wake up, and if you still feel the same… we'll talk."
Then he closed the door—leaving Anita with his words echoing like a promise in the silence.